French high-speed train derails, five dead

A test TGV train travelling to Strasbourg caught fire after derailing, causing at least five deaths, French TV TF1 reported Saturday evening.

According to the reports, a non commercial TGV that was conducting tests on the new high speed line north of Strasbourg derailed on Saturday in Eckwersheim (Bas-Rhin), causing "at least five deaths," Xinhua reported.

The test train which, according to the authorities, was travelling with technicians aboard, could have "derailed due to excessive speed", said TF1.